Great column as always....2nd question of the year. First one got me into second place in my league.....Should I trade (my) Brodeur for his Aebischer & Khabibulin? Thanx for all the advice!Kevin

Well, I think Aebischer and Brodeur should have fairly similar stats down the stretch. Khabi is still splitting with Grahame, so you may want to see if you can get a good forward or defenseman instead of Khabi. Maybe you can package Brodeur and a decent forward for Aebischer and a stud forward.

Hey Chris: Just a quick defense question. I have Lidstrom, Gonchar, Blake and Kim Johnsson. I'm in a head to head league, I was thinking of dropping Blake as he went back to the IR list. I was thinking about picking up Zubov or Tarnstrom of pit. They have similar numbers with the exception of the plus-minus. Do you think this may be something to consider or should I hold on to Blake and hope he comes back before playoffs in a couple of weeks? One other thing, I was thinking of dropping Kariya and picking up Mogilny. Wise or no?Thanks again!! Doug - g.r. Michigan

Since Zubov has been producing well, I'd go ahead and drop Blake. As soon as we get close to Blake coming back, you could pick him back up if he's still there. I'd normally say be patient with a stud like that, but if you can have Zubov step in now, then it's all good. I'd keep Kariya over Mogilny.

Hi Chris: Your column has been pretty helpful so far... Here's my question. Keeper league, that only counts points. Do I give up my Marleau and Poti to get his McAmmond and Lidstrom?Thanks, jic

The answer basically comes down to whether Lidstrom goes back to Sweden next year or not. Marleau is a really good, young player but he's not in Lidstrom's class. I'd gamble on getting Lidstrom.

Chris: You are a hockey god!!! I have both Blake and Jovo and can't afford the dead roster spot, (only 1 IR) Who will be back first and who do I keep on the IR? Everything my gut tells me is to go with Blake but neither team is giving an eta for them.Thanks again, Mike Prinz

Hi Chris, Thanks for your awesome advice. I check your site everyday for tips with my league. I am kind of stacked in the goalie department right now; I have Theodore, Turco, Vokoun, Cujo, and Burke. Problem is I only have 2 bench spots for the rest of my team and I'm struggling in the goalie stats area. Of the 5 goalies that would you keep and who would you trade and what is the trade value of them. Oh and there are no starting goalies available in my league accept to Kolzig, it looks like people need goalies but as you know people are stingy.Thank you, Justin Rylak aka (HeD), Naples Italy

I would keep Theodore, Turco and Cujo and try to deal Vokoun and Burke. Esche could be back as early as next week, so you should see what you can get for him now.

Hey Chris, love your column. My points-only pool took a big blow with the loss of Nagy. Is he done for the year? For a replacement I'm looking at adding Daze with the second option being Slegr. No preference for D over forward, just straight up points. There really is nothing available past those two guys... Reichel maybe.Thanks for your help.

It's not official as I write this, but it looks like Nagy is toast for this season. I'd add Slegr.

Hi Chris. Keep doing your excellent job. What do you think of that one. In a H2H Yahoo league with almost all of the offensive stats, my Ruutu-Modry for his Hamhuis-Tanguay. You have to know that we're keeping our rookie as long as we want, year after year.Thank you. Benoit, Montreal

Ruutu will be a really solid fantasy "power" forward that gets PIM's and points. Tanguay is a great young player who is producing well now. If your team will compete in the next few years, Tanguay is better. Otherwise, Ruutu is maybe worth hanging onto.
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